Paul Simon Can Never Play One Of His Classic Songs Anymore

Paul Simon, the legendary singer-songwriter, is making adjustments to his music career due to hearing loss, a condition that has also led him to retire one of his most iconic hits. At 83, Simon remains passionate about music, but the challenges of his condition have reshaped how he performs and what songs make it into his setlist.

Saying Goodbye to “You Can Call Me Al”

In a candid interview with CBS Mornings, Simon revealed that he’s lost most of the hearing in his left ear. “There’s only about 6% [hearing] in my left ear,” he explained, sharing how he relies on multiple monitors during performances to maintain balance.

The impact on his setlist has been significant. He said:

“I’m going through my repertoire and reducing a lot of the choices I make to acoustic versions.
“It’s all much quieter. It’s not ‘You Can Call Me Al.’ That’s gone. I can’t do that one.”

Despite his frustration with his condition, Simon has adapted by focusing on simpler, more tranquil arrangements of his music.

Hope for a Hearing Breakthrough

While his hearing loss is “incredibly frustrating,” Simon finds hope in groundbreaking research being conducted at Stanford University. Scientists there are working on ways to reverse hearing loss, and the progress has been promising.

In one study, researchers restored hearing in deaf zebrafish, while another saw them regenerate hair cells in mice—both animals have inner ear structures similar to humans. “It gives me hope that there is some significant improvement on the horizon,” Simon said optimistically.

For now, Simon remains committed to his craft. His latest album, Seven Psalms, released in 2023, clearly shows his resilience and love for music. “I don’t think creativity stops with disability,” Simon reflected. “So far, I haven’t experienced that. And I hope not to.”

Simon’s journey is a reminder of how determination and hope can keep the music alive, even in the face of challenges.